Discussions underway with Saudi to reduce Hajj costs : Millat
- Update Time : Thursday, 30 July, 2026, 05:46 pm
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Online Desk : State Minister for Private Aviation and Tourism Rashiduzzaman Millat has said that the Bangladesh government has reduced the cost of Hajj as much as possible. “Now, the scope for reducing costs on the part of the country is very limited. However, if various charges imposed by Saudi Arabia can be reduced, it is possible to further reduce the costs of Hajj pilgrims,” he said. He said this while speaking as a special guest at the inauguration ceremony of the National Hajj and Umrah Fair-2026 held at the China Friendship Conference Center in the capital on Thursday.
The State Minister said, “If these charges are reduced, it will be possible to further reduce the cost of a Hajj pilgrim. The cost of Hajj has already been reduced significantly due to various initiatives of the government.” He said that Saudi Arabia collects various fees including airport charges of 10 taka per Hajj pilgrim. If these charges of Saudi Arabia are reduced, the total cost of a Hajj pilgrim can be reduced by another 40 to 42 thousand taka.
He also urged the concerned to take initiatives to reduce air fares. The State Minister said, “Discussions have already been held with the Saudi Arabian ambassador on this issue. The ambassador said that step to be taken to discuss the issue in a meeting with a delegation from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Religion and Aviation in September and take a decision.”
Rashiduzzaman Millat said, “Efforts are being made to ensure the facilities of category ‘C’ instead of category ‘D’ in terms of accommodation for Hajj pilgrims. In this, pilgrims will get comparatively better facilities. At the same time, discussions are being held with the Saudi authorities to ensure the facilities of category ‘C’ at the same price of category ‘D’. Many people go for Hajj by selling their land or saving for a long time. Therefore, the government is working sincerely to reduce their financial pressure.”
He said, “The issue of government subsidy may also be considered if necessary to help the indigent people perform Hajj. This will be discussed with the Ministry of Religion, the Ministry of Finance and the concerned parties.” Stressing the importance of strengthening human values, religious practices and social harmony, the State Minister said, “Everyone has to work together to bring back mutual respect and humane behavior in society. In this regard, Hajj pilgrims and those involved in Hajj management can play an important role.”
